Fluid pressure operated game

ABSTRACT

A game device is disclosed, suitable for play by two or four persons representing two opposing sides, comprising a &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;board&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; having interconnected sets of conduits, and projectiles normally disposed at opposite ends of one of the sets capable of being individually released and propelled through their conduits by selectively applied fluid pressure. The opposing sides control the release of their projectiles and the flow of fluid in conduits in one direction, the object of the game being for one side to drive its projectiles from its end of the conduits to its opponent&#39;&#39;s end, against a defense mounted by its opponent.

[ Feb. 22, 1972 United States Patent Fixler [54] FLUID PRESSURE OPERATED GAME 2,544,720 3/1951 Ospina-Racines.........................46/44 [72] Inventor: Jon S. Flxler, Philadelphia, Pa. Primary Examiner mchard C. pinkham Assistant Examiner-Theatrice Brown [73] Assignee: Industrial Patent Development Corp.,

Phila., Pa.

AttorneySeidel, Gonda & Goldhammer [22] Filed: Aug. 13, 1970 ABSTRACT A game device is disclosed, suitable for play by two or four persons representing two opposing sides, comprising a having interconnected sets of conduits, and projectiles normally disposed at opposite ends of one of the sets capable of being individually released and propelled through their conduits by selectively applied fluid pressure. The opposing sides I control the release of their projectiles and the flow of fluid in M mm m w EW HA9 H mm B m, Wm

r "5 n8 I "3 ""7 :1 8 m m 3/ n." 3 h 6 IM N L m M D. Std A Um H. HUM U HUM conduits in one direction, the object of the game being for one side to drive its projectiles from its end of the conduits to its opponents end, against a defense mounted by its opponent.

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Breneman et al. ...................273/86 D 12 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures FIILJtllLFIi.

PATENTEDFEB 22 I972 SHEET 1 OF 2 JON F/XLE'R ATTORNEYS PATENTEDFEB22 I972 SHEET 2 [1F 2 INVENTOR JON S. F/XLER ATTORNEYS FLUID PRESSURE OPERATED GAME This invention relates to a fluid pressure operated game, and more particularly, to a fluid pressure operated game of the adversary type, wherein opposing teams or sides attack" and defend" respective goals.

Games have heretofore been proposed wherein fluid pressure is used to propel a projectile, such as a ball or the like, across the surface of a game board. For example, US. Pat. Nos. 3,066,937 and 3,11 3,776 disclose pneumatic games, designed to simulate the game of soccer. Thus, in the games disclosed in the foregoing patents, a ball is propelled by player-controlled airblasts toward a single fixed goal.

The present invention is directed to a fluid pressure operated game, wherein each of the opposing sides controls a plurality of projectiles, the object of the game being to drive those projectiles to rest positions in an area defended by the other side. If the first side is successful, the second side may be prevented from releasing some or all of its own projectiles. The winner of the game is the side which succeeds in placing the greatest number of its projectiles in the rest positions in its opponents area.

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of this invention to provide a fluid operated game device playable by upto four persons.

It is another object of this invention to provide a game wherein each of two opposing sides controls a plurality of projectiles, the projectiles being selectively releasable, and controllable by fluid pressure.

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

The foregoing and other objects are realized, in a presently preferred form of the invention, by apparatus comprising intersecting sets of horizontally disposed conduits, the conduits having means, such as hand-acuated valves or the like, associated with their respective ends. Actuation of a valve induces in its conduit a flow of fluid directed toward the opposite end thereof. Each conduit of one of the sets is provided with a pair of projectiles, one projectile normally being retained at each end of the conduit in association with a valve. The valves of such set can be operated in a prescribed manner to release a projectile, and induce fluid flow in the conduit to propel the projectile toward the opposite end.

If, as the projectile traverses the conduit, it encounters a flow of fluid in a conduit of the other set, it may change its direction of travel, and enter the conduit of the other set. Thus, by manipulation of valve means controlled by it, the defending side may force a given projectile from its intended course. Also, by proper manipulation of the valve means it controls, the attacking side can adopt the strategy of shifting a projectile between conduits of the first set, and then propelling the projectile toward the defenders area.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification as indicating the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of game apparatus in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view, taken along the line 2--2 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view, taken along the line 3-3 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one form of valve element used in conjunction with the present apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view, taken along the line 5-5 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view, taken along the line 66 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing another fonn of valve element used in conjunction with the present apparatus.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there is seen in FIG. 1 a game apparatus designated generally by the reference numeral 10. The apparatus 10 includes structure which may be called for convenience a board, designated generally by the reference numeral 12, comprising an assemblage of intersecting sets 14 and 16 of conduits of circular cross section. The conduits of the set 14, in the illustrated embodiment, extend transversely with respect to the board 12. Those of the set 16 extend longitudinally with respect to the board 12, and intersect those of the set 14. In the illustrated form of the apparatus 10, the conduits of the respective sets 14, 16 are parallel.

When the board 12 is placed on a horizontal support surface, such as a tabletop, the conduits of the sets 14 and 16 extend generally horizontally.

As is perhaps best seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, in the illustrated form of the apparatus 10, the board 12 is constructed from two separately formed halves, namely an upper half 18 and a lower half 20, joined at a parting line 22. Joining of the upper and lower halves 18, 20 may be accomplished in any conventional manner, such as by fusion under heat and pressure, gluing, or the like.

At least the upper half 18 of the board 12 should be transparent, in order to permit observation of the sets of conduits 14 andl 6.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, provided in association with respective ends of the longitudinally extending conduits of the set 16 are valve assemblies 24 and 24'. The valve assembly 24, which is typical, is illustrated in detail in FIG. 2.

The valve assembly 24 includes a valve stem 26, slidably disposed in a bore 28 formed in the upper half 18 of the board 12. A lower portion of the valve stem 26 extends into a recess 30, formed in the lower half 20 of the board 12 and in communication with a conduit 32 of the set 16.

Referring to FIG. 2, and also to FIG. 4, the valve stem 26 is provided with a pair of vertically spaced openings 34 and 36. Also, a limit stop member 38 projects from the valve stem 26. Associated with the upper end of the valve stem 26 is a buttonlike valve actuator member 40. The illustrated valve stem 26 is biased upwardly to an inactive position by a biasing spring 42,

in engagement with the underside of the valve actuator member 40. Upward travel of the valve stem 26 is limited by the above-mentioned limit stop member 38.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, formed within the board 12 is a fluid pressure supply conduit 44, in fluid communication with an external source 46 of fluid pressure. Individual branch conduits 48 interconnect the supply conduit 44 and bore 28. It should now be apparent that the valve stem 26 can be displaced downwardly against the bias of the spring 42 by the application of finger pressure to the valve actuator member 40. Depending on the extent of the displacement, the opening 34 or the opening 36 may be brought into juxtaposition with the conduit 32 and the branch conduit 48. When the valve stem 26 is in the position shown in FIG. 2, fluid flow between the supply conduit 44 and the conduit 32 is precluded. When the valve stem 26 is displaced so that the opening 34 is in juxtaposition with the conduit 42 and the branch conduit 48, a stream of fluid passes through the opening 34 into the conduit 32.

As is apparent in FIG. 2, the opening 36 is somewhat larger than the opening 34. In FIG. 3, the opening 36 is seen to contain a projectile 50, a ball whose diameter is slightly less than the diameter of the conduit 32. Displacement of the valve stem 26 to the extent that the opening 36 is juxtaposed to the conduit 32 and branch conduit 48, causes the projectile 50 to be ejected from the opening 36, and propelled along the conduit 32 toward the valve assembly 24'.

The lowermost portion of the above-mentioned recess 30 extends beneath the bore 28. Thus, a projectile 50' travelling along the conduit 32 in the direction of the arrow A, and reaching the recess 30, falls to a position beneath the bore 28 and a lower tip portion 52 of the valve stem 26. When a projectile 50' is thus positioned, it limits displacement of the valve stem 26 to the extent that juxtaposition of the opening 36 and the conduit 32 is prevented. The significance of this in regard to the manner in which the present game is played will be made clear later.

A flexible tab 54 affixed to the roof of the conduit 32 insures deflection of a projectile 50' in the conduit 32 downwardly into the recess 30. A vent 55 is provided between the recess 30 and atmosphere to prevent pressure buildup in the board 12.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 5, provided in association with respective ends of the transversely extending conduits of the set 14 are valve assemblies designated generally by the reference numerals 56 and 56'. The valve assembly 56, which is typical, is illustrated in detail in FIG. 5.

The valve assembly 56 includes a valve stem 58, slidably disposed in a bore 60, formed from respective portions in the upper and lower halves 18, 20 of the board 12. A biasing spring 62 disposed in the bore 60 and bearing against a lower end face of the valve stem 58 biases the valve stem 58 upwardly, to an inoperative position. A limit stop member 64 projects from the valve stem 58, and serves to limit upward movement of the valve stem 58. A buttonlike valve actuator member 66 is associated with the upper end of the valve stem 58.

The valve stem 58 includes an opening, designated by the reference numeral 68, and seen in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7.

The valve assembly 56 is interposed between a supply conduit 70, in fluid communication with the source 46, and a branch conduit 72, which opens into a sidewall of one of the conduits of the set 16 at a position juxtaposed to an end of a conduit 74 of the set 14. The above-described valve assembly 56, it should be understood, is typical of the valve assemblies shown in FIG. 1 at opposite side edges of the board 12. It should now be apparent that the valve stem 58 may be displaced downwardly in the bore 60 against the bias of the spring 62, by the application of finger pressure to the valve actuator member 66. Such displacement brings the opening 68 into juxtaposition with the supply conduit 78 and branch conduit 70.

When the valve stem 58 is in the position shown in FIG. 2, fluid flow between the supply conduit 70 and the branch conduit 72 and conduit 74 is precluded. However, when the valve stem 58 is displaced so that the opening 68 is in juxtaposition with the supply conduit 70 and branch conduit 72, a stream of fluid passes through the opening 58, and ultimately into the transversely extending conduit 74.

Bearing in mind the foregoing detailed description, the manner in which the game apparatus may be used will now be explained.

Projectiles 50 are provided for each of the valve assemblies 24 and 24, at the ends of the board 12.

The game is preferably played by opposing sides comprising two players each, one being positioned at an end of the board 12, and having control of a set of valve assemblies 24 and the other being positioned at a side of the board 12, and having control of a set of valve assemblies 56. The first-mentioned player brings a projectile into play by depressing one of the valves available to him. Assuming he chooses to initiate the game by using the valve assembly 24 associated with the conduit 32, he applies pressure to the valve actuator member 40 to depress the valves stem 26 to its fullest extent. When the valve stem 26 is thus depressed, the opening 36 in which the projectile 50 rests is juxtaposed with the branch conduit 48 and the conduit 32. Assuming the working fluid to be pressurized air, positive pressure behind the projectile 50 drives the projectile 50 through the conduit 32 toward the other edge of the board 12, and the valve assembly 24. if the opposing player in control of the valve assembly 24' does nothing, the projectile 50 will fall into a recess, not shown, associated with the assembly 24', and come to rest beneath the valve stem of that assembly. When so positioned, the projectile 50 will prevent full travel of the valve stem of that assembly, and thus prevent release of the projectile associated with that valve assembly. In the presently preferred form of the invention, the presence of the projectile 50 beneath the valve stem of the assembly 24' will not prevent actuation of the assembly 24' sufficiently to release a blast of fluid counter to the fluid flow emanating from the first-mentioned valve assembly 24. This aspect of the valve assemblies 24 is perhaps best seen in FIG. 2, wherein it is evident that the presence of a projectile 50' in the recess 30 limits movement of the valve stem 26 so that only the opening 34 can be brought into juxtaposition with the branch conduit 48 and conduit 32. Downward movement of the valve stem 26 to the extent necessary to release the projectile 50 is precluded by the presence of the projectile 50'.

If the player operating the valve assembly 24 is sufficiently quick, he can release a counterblast of fluid before the projectile 50 reaches his end of the board. He can thus stop progress of the projectile 50 in his direction, and depending upon the action of the player operating the valve assembly 24, can even drive the projectile 50 back into the recess 30.

Operation of the valve assemblies 56 can divert a projectile travelling in a conduit of the set 16 from its travel along such conduit to travel along one of the conduits of the set 14. Thus, referring to FIG. 1, properly timed actuation of the valve assembly 56 can cause a projectile 50 travelling along the conduit 32 to change its direction and enter the conduit 74. The 1 player controlling the valve assemblies 24 can then, by actuating the appropriate valve assembly, cause the projectile 50" to resume its travel toward the opposite end of the board in one of the conduits of the set 16. For example, in FlG. 1, the projectile 50" is shown in dotted line entering a conduit 76 of the set 16, two conduits removed from the conduit 32 in which it originated. It should therefore be apparent that numerous strategies are available to the attacking" side in its attempt to convey a projectile across the entire length of the board 12, into the recesses associated with the valves (such as the valve 24) of its opponent. The defensive options open to the defending side should also be apparent. Thus, if the player disposed at the upper edge of the board 12 as seen in FIG. I anticipates actuation of the valve assembly 56, he may counter by actuation of his own valve assembly 56'. This may cause the projectile 50" to continue along the conduit 32, and give his partner, operating the valve assembly 24', time to arrest forward progress of the projectile 50" in the conduit 32.

The defending side in the above discussion is of course free to release its own projectiles at any time. Moreover, either side can release more than one projectile at any given time. It should be apparent, therefore, that the result is an exceedingly fast-moving game of skill, which places a premium on rapid action and reaction, as well as cooperation between players on a given side.

The illustrated form of the apparatus 10 uses as its source 46 a source of compressed air, such as an electrically driven pump. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other equivalent sources may be used, and that gaseous or liquid fluids other than air may be used.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification as indicating the scope of the invention.

lclaim:

1. Game apparatus comprising intersecting sets of generally horizontally disposed transparent conduits, selectively operable fluid pressure means associated with individual conduits to selectively generate fluid flow in the conduit toward one or the other of the ends thereof, a selectively releasable projectile normally disposed at each opposite end of the conduits of one set, and means associated with the conduits of said one set for effecting release of a projectile for propulsion by said fluid pressure means toward the other opposite end of the conduit.

2. Game apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said fluid pressure means comprises fluid conducting means coupled to respective opposite ends of said conduits, and selectively operable valve means interposed between said fluid conducting means and said conduits, operation of a valve means placing said fluid conducting means in fluid communication with a conduit.

3. Game apparatus in accordance with claim 2, wherein said fluid pressure means comprises a source of air pressure.

4. Game apparatus in accordance with claim 2, wherein said means for effecting release of a projectile are associated with said valve means, said valve means being actuable to a position effecting release of a projectile.

5. Game apparatus in accordance with claim 4, wherein said fluid pressure means comprises a source of positive air pressure.

6. Game apparatus in accordance with claim 4, wherein said valve means includes means responsive to the presence of a projectile adjacent thereto to prevent actuation of said valve means to said position effecting release of a projectile.

7. Game apparatus in accordance with claim 2, wherein said means for effecting release of a projectile are associated with said valve means, said valve means being actuable to a position for placing said fluid conducting means in fluid communication with said conduit, and another position for effecting release of said projectile and placing said fluid supply means in fluid communication with said conduit.

8. Game apparatus in accordance with claim 7, wherein said valve means includes means responsive to the presence of a projectile adjacent thereto to prevent actuation of said valve means to said position effecting release of a projectile.

9. Game apparatus comprising a four-sided board including generally horizontally disposed transparent conduits, a first set of said conduits extending between respective opposite ends of said board, and a second set of said conduits extending between respective opposite side edges and intersecting said first set, a source of fluid pressure, fluid conducting means in normally blocking fluid flow between said source and said conduits, projectile means in said conduits, the valve means associated with said first set of conduits including means for retaining said projectile means, and releasing said projectile means upon selective actuation.

10. Game apparatus in accordance with claim 9, wherein the valve means associated with said first set of conduits are actuable to a first position for placing said source in fluid communication with said conduits, and a second position for releasing said projectile means and placing said source in fluid connection with said conduits.

11. Game apparatus in accordance with claim 10, wherein said source is a source of air pressure.

12. Game apparatus in accordance with claim 10, wherein the valve means associated with said first set of conduits include means responsive to the presence of projectile means adjacent thereto to prevent actuation of said valve means to the second position. 

1. Game apparatus comprising intersecting sets of generally horizontally disposed transparent conduits, selectively operable fluid pressure means associated with individual conduits to selectively generate fluid flow in the conduit toward one or the other of the ends thereof, a selectively releasable projectile normally disposed at each opposite end of the conduits of one set, and means associated with the conduits of said one set for effecting release of a projectile for propulsion by said fluid pressure means toward the other opposite end of the conduit.
 2. Game apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said fluid pressure means comprises fluid conducting means coupled to respective opposite ends of said conduits, and selectively operable valve means interposed between said fluid conducting means and said conduits, operation of a valve means placing said fluid conducting means in fluid communication with a conduit.
 3. Game apparatus in accordance with claim 2, wherein said fluid pressure means comprises a source of air pressure.
 4. Game apparatus in accordance with claim 2, wherein said means for effecting release of a projectile are associated with said valve means, said valve means being actuable to a position effecting release of a projectile.
 5. Game apparatus in accordance with claim 4, wherein said fluid pressure means comprises a source of positive air pressure.
 6. Game apparatus in accordance with claim 4, wherein said valve means includes means responsive to the presence of a projectile adjacent thereto to prevent actuation of said valve means to said position effecting release of a projectile.
 7. Game apparatus in accordance with claim 2, wherein said means for effecting release of a projectile are associated with said valve means, said valve means being actuable to a position for placing said fluid conducting means in fluid communication with said conduit, and another position for effecting release of said projectile and placing said fluid supply means in fluid communication with said conduit.
 8. Game apparatus in accordance with claim 7, wherein said valve means includes means responsive to the presence of a projectile adjacent thereto to prevent actuation of said valve means to said position effecting release of a projectile.
 9. Game apparatus comprising a four-sided board including generally horizontally disposed transparent conduits, a first set of said conduits extending between respective opposite ends of said board, and a second set of said conduits extending between respective opposite side edges and intersecting said first set, a source of fluid pressure, fluid conducting means in fluid communication with said source and respective opposite ends of each of said conduits, selectively operable valve means operatively associated with said fluid conducting means and normally blocking fluid flow between said source and said conduits, projectile means in said conduits, the valve means associated with said first set of conduits including means for rEtaining said projectile means, and releasing said projectile means upon selective actuation.
 10. Game apparatus in accordance with claim 9, wherein the valve means associated with said first set of conduits are actuable to a first position for placing said source in fluid communication with said conduits, and a second position for releasing said projectile means and placing said source in fluid connection with said conduits.
 11. Game apparatus in accordance with claim 10, wherein said source is a source of air pressure.
 12. Game apparatus in accordance with claim 10, wherein the valve means associated with said first set of conduits include means responsive to the presence of projectile means adjacent thereto to prevent actuation of said valve means to the second position. 